Splendor of Sicily Tour: Ten Days of Culture, Relaxation, and Discovery

In the morning, the vibrant streets of Palermo return to life around the Mercato di Ballaro. The famous market place fills the blocks near Palazzo dei Normanni with festive merchant calls and the aromas of Mediterranean spices accompanied by fresh seafood, pungent cheeses, and marinated olives. Your guide will lead you through the marketplace during your private tour to begin your exploration of Palermo at the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Cappella Palatina. The chapel was constructed in the 12th century and contains a Byzantine dome that is accentuated by an Arabic ceiling. The scent of frankincense will fill the chapel as you find a mystical ambiance that stems from the brilliant mosaics.

You will continue to Monreale Cathedral, which embodies the secular and religious authority of the Norman kingdom in Sicily. The mosaics date back to the 12th century and span over 68,243 square feet. At the cathedral, you can find gilded images that depict the Fall of Man, Noah’s Ark, the Passion, and the Crucifixion. The incredible cloister contrasts the drama of mosaics with 26 arches and 228 double columns that surround a luxurious garden.

In the morning, the scent of cinnamon and espresso often drift through the streets of the Mercato di Ballaro. You will depart Palermo after breakfast and make your way to the 5th-century BC ruins of Segesta. The centerpiece of the majestic ancient site towers over the isolated fields of wildflowers and grasses with 36 Doric columns that span over 200 feet long. The neighboring Greek Theater was built in the 3rd century BC and remains one of the most prominent ruins of the settlement. The engineers used the natural contours of the hillside to create the stadium seating that resulted in a fantastic view of the Golfo di Castellammare.

Your tour will continue to the elevated medieval town of Erice, which stands on a plateau on the peak of Eryx, which is over 2,460 feet above sea level. A cable car will carry you to the summit and the edge of the 12th-century wall. From the top, you can enjoy the sweeping view across the sea and valley. Your guide will lead you on a marvelous tour of the preserved cobbled lanes, taking you to Real Duomo, which is the Royal Cathedral.

After breakfast, your guide will lead you to the western edge of the island to the harbor on which the Spanish first landed in the 13th century. The relaxed ambiance may sweep along the pedestrianized main street of Via Garibaldi, where mansions made with golden stone lead passersby to alleyways that create a maze of ancient churches. At the salt pans, you will find a mixture of segments of land that shimmer with white salt, resembling pockets of snow. The warm African winds and golden Mediterranean sun has helped harvest salt from the sea for over 2,700 years, beginning with the Phoenicians. The marine reserve covers over 4,942 acres.

You will then continue to the nearby island of Mozia to discover elements of the ancient Phoenician settlement, which was established in the 8th century BC. The strategic position contains fields of ruins that lead to trails that punctuate the unique contours of the landscape. Here, you will find hints of the former road that once connected to the mainland as well. The small museum gallery displays fascinating artifacts, including ancient beads, terracotta masks, a funeral stele, and a marble statue from the 5th century BC.

In the morning, you will travel to the unique scenery of the Scala dei Turchi, which is located west of the ancient city of Agrigento. The name reflects how Arab pirates once used the area to hide during storms. The natural scenery will enchant you with its smooth rocks that plunge into the indigo water. A long stretch of sandy beach is nestled below the rugged shelf, and, after exploring the gorgeous coastline, you will continue to the remains of ancient Agrigento at the Valley of the Temples.

The grandeur of the Valley of the Temples stems from the scattered ruins that decorate the valley. The grand structure of the Temple of Concordia was built in the 5th century BC and was converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century AD. The stunning design retains the Doric columns and descriptive metopes. You can also find an 800-year-old olive tree near a series of Byzantine tombs along the walkway that connects to other temples. The colonnade of the Temple of Hera remains intact and borders the altar and was once used for sacrifices. The largest remaining temple is the Temple of Giove, which stands 367 feet by 183 feet.

Today, you will make your way to the stunning Villa Romana del Casale in the morning to view the preserved art and architecture outside of the town of Piazza Armerina. The artwork was created in the 4th century AD, spans over 37,673 square feet, and was protected by a landslide. You will enter the villa through the famous three-arched gateway, where fountains and military paintings add to the opulent setting. Your guide will lead you through the grounds and highlight the unique pieces of the villa, including the mosaic known as the Little Hunt. The preserved artwork decorates a dining room and depicts a row of three hunters as they present their offering to Diana.

You will reach Syracuse in the afternoon to find an immaculate city at the edge of the island that shimmers with golden hues and an elaborate history. The setting embodies the timeless beauty of Sicily and the island’s importance along the Mediterranean Sea with ancient Greek ruins, citrus orchards, and winding medieval lanes. Here, you will have a guided tour of the historic center known as Ortygia, where the narrow alleyways will lead to refined piazzas, and lavish antique mansions line the main boulevards.

In the morning, the aromas of cheese, blood oranges, and hot chilis will fill the market on the streets of Ortygia. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast to introduce you to the depths of history around the city of Syracuse, beginning with the Archeological Park. The Greek Theater was built in the 3rd century BC and could once hold up to 16,000 spectators. It also hosted the works of playwrights like Aeschylus and Euripides. The grotto of Orecchio di Dionisio rises more than 213 feet into the soaring cliff and stands over 75 feet tall.

At Piazza del Duomo, you will find how contemporary life continues to unfold around the masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The flamboyant facades of elegant palaces border the public square, and thick Doric columns decorate the exterior of the Duomo. The cathedral was built using the outline of the original 5th-century BC Greek temple, and a series of 13th-century bronze lions glint against the baptismal font, which consists of a large ancient vase.

The brooding summit of Mt. Etna looms over the landscape of eastern Sicily, standing over 10,912 feet above sea level. As the highest mountain south of the Italian Alps and one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, Mt. Etna will captivate you with a combination of remarkable scenery and delicious cuisine. Your guide will lead you along the volcanic slopes beneath the fumes of the four summit craters, and, to truly understand the unique ecosystem of the region, your guide will lead you on a marvelous wine tour that visits a selection of premier vineyards in the area.

During your wine tour, you will wander through the vines of an antique farm and notice the sweet aroma of ripening grapes in addition to the earthy scent of the soil. The volcanic activity fills the soil with rich nutrients, fortifying the flavors of the ingredients grown around the foothills. When you sample the wine, you will discover hints of cinnamon and floral herbs that derive from the use of Nerello Mascalese grapes, which are a unique varietal of Sicily. The aroma will give way to a lingering acidity and earthy flavors, such as leather and volcanic rock.

The city of Taormina is perched on a coastal cliff and embodies the spirit of La Dolce Vita. The elegant ambiance stems from the Baroque architecture, seaside views, and charming boulevards that are lined with chic boutiques and lively cafes. Your guide will lead you through the city on a half-day tour to discover the charms of life between the hilltops and the indigo water. At the Greek Theater, you will find a marvelous edifice that was built in the 3rd century BC. The diameter of the theater reaches 357 feet long, and, from the top row, you will have an undisturbed view that spans the coastline to the peak of Mt. Etna in the distance.

After your tour, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to bask in the beauty of Taormina. You can stroll down Corso Umberto to enjoy the romantic buildings, venture to the collection of terraces, or linger in the public square of Piazza IX Aprile to indulge in the open-air cafes. The small islet of Isola Bella is a nature reserve at the base of the mountain and possesses crystal-clear water that laps at the narrow-pebbled shoreline.

In the morning, the scent of espresso will accompany the fruity aroma of granita, which is a refreshing drink of ice, sugar, fruit juice, and water. Before leaving for the airport, you can enjoy one last view of Mt. Etna in the distance. Your private driver will greet you in your hotel’s lobby to escort you to the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, where you will board your flight home, bringing an end to your 10-day highlights tour of Sicily.